Schaars set for nervous wait

The Netherlands could go into the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-final against France without their captain after Stijn Schaars picked up a hip injury.

Accidental collision
The AZ Alkmaar midfielder faces a race against time to be fit in time for Thursday's game after bruising his hip in an accidental collision with team-mate Ron Vlaar during the Jong Oranje's final group fixture against outgoing champions Italy. Ever-present in Portugal thus far, Schaars will receive intensive treatment over the next two days but is rated doubtful for the last-four encounter.

French challenge
In the immediate aftermath of their victory against Italy, Schaars told uefa.com that he was relishing the French challenge, saying: "I'm looking forward to the French match. France have been the best team until now in the competition, but we have a good squad and we can beat them." The prospect of coming up against Rio Antonio Mavuba, Jérémy Toulalan and Lassana Diarra in the French midfield was also an exciting one for the Dutch captain, who added: "The bigger the challenge the better for me. I like to play against the best players in Europe." He will be hoping he gets the chance.